The operator of the Manus Island detention centre has donated a mobile boxing ring to the community, despite local staff being accused of bashing an Iranian asylum seeker to death last year.

The donation was publicised in the Australian High Commission's monthly newsletter.

"The mobile boxing ring will assist the Boxing Association to stage boxing tournaments in all places in Manus," said the newsletter caption.

One of the two men arrested for the murder of Reza Barati in February last year was a competitive amateur boxer.

Refugee advocates worry about the message the boxing ring sends to local staff.

"Given the levels of endemic violence on Manus Island, and the alleged involvement of a boxer in the death of Reza Barati, Transfield's gift of a mobile boxing ring to stage tournaments is inappropriate and in poor taste," Refugee Action Coalition spokesman Ian Rintoul said.

"It would seem to be the actions of a company completely out of touch with the society in which it operates and devoid of any idea of corporate responsibility."